# 5 Reasons why markdown is awesome!! ::: info ## Reason 1: Admonitions The consistent and reliable admonition boxes that can be created by simply wrapping text in three colons `:::`, and then styled using different labels (e.g. `success`, `warning`). ::: ::: warning ## Reason 2: Syntax Font styles that are decoupled from the formatting of the typeface, which means no awkward, frustrating and uncertain behaviour as with Word. ``` # Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3 ** Bold ** * Italics * ``` # Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3 **Bold** *Italics* ::: ::: success ## Reason 3: Interoperability They're just text files, which means you're not beholden to the whims of large corporations, and the technology is open source. ==Fun Fact==: it was co-created by the legendary John Gruber and Aaron Swartz :smile: ::: :::danger ## Reason 4: Extensions There are hundreds (if not thousands) of extensions to explore: 1. Graphics using mermaid.js ```mermaid flowchart TD A{Should I use markdown?} A -->|Yes| B[It's awesome] A -->|No| C[N/A] ``` 2. Maths and $L^aT_eX$ formatting: $E=Mc^2$ 3. Code Blocks ```javascript var cool_people_using_markdown = ["Chris", "Cami", "Clau"]; cool_people_using_markdown.push("Mike"); console.log(cool_people_using_markdown) (4) ['Chris', 'Cami', 'Clau', 'Mike'] ``` ::: :::spoiler Ooh, one last one. Click to reveal! ## Reason 5: Accessible Media It's really easy to embed media, especially when it's stored remotely on a content delivery network such as GitHub. And, the ability to add accessibilty tags is also a plus! ![An illustration showing participatpry design in practice](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/alan-turing-institute/turing-commons/main/docs/assets/images/illustrations/participatory-design.png) :::